Is there too much play in my steering

[oldrudedude]

My 16.5 ft bowrider has Teleflex rotory stearing. The wheel turns about 3 inches before there is any movement of the cable at the motor. This feels way too sloppy to me. Is this normal? If not is there a way to tighten it up at the helm unit? If not is it because of wear of the cable, the helm, or both?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Is there too much play in my steering

I/O or outboard?

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: Is there too much play in my steering

outboard

 

[5150abf]

Re: Is there too much play in my steering

That sounded like alot of play but I just checked mine(3 year old Teleflex NFB with 13'' steering wheel) and the wheel moves 3'' before the engine moves so I would say that is right.

There is no way to tighten it as far as I know, I don't think you want super tight steering on a boat, seems like it would make it really hard to drive, so unless something is wrong with both our boats I think you are okay and that is ust how it is.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Is there too much play in my steering

It doesn't sound excessive to me either (by boat standards, anyway) but first off - is this a new condition - i.e., your steering was fine but now is exhibiting this problem?

And if you can, try to track down where the play is exactly.

For instance, make sure the connection to the engine isn't loose allowing the play. Myself, I've got a little tinny with a centre console and and older steering setup. The hole in the engine mount has worn a little oblong over the years which has introduced some slop.

Also check how the cable is anchored down the side of the boat. It's possible that a poorly anchored cable will shift first, and exert enough force to turn the engine second. Also, climb up under your dash and have a look around for problems, loose wheel mounting, etc.

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: Is there too much play in my steering

Thanks for all the input. The Boat is an old boat but it is new too me. I have had it in the water for about a week. Put a new/old motor on it as the old/old one was siezed. I adjusted the trim tab today and the boat handles much easier, but there seems to be a lot of play (by my standards) in the helm. Kind of feels like the worn steering box on my old 1970 VW Westphalia. Maybe it supposed to be that way. I will probably notice it less once I tune the trim tab more.

 

[SSMINNOWVA]

Re: Is there too much play in my steering

I too am haveing the same proublem . just put in a used tele-flex.and there seames to be a lot of play. by any chance if you turn the
wheal to the right the boat goes left and ect.